Invisible weapon – non-kinetic actions as a challenge for the protection of classified information

The subject of this paper is non-kinetic actions and their impact on the classified information protection system. The purpose of the research is to identify, describe and analyse the key forms of impacts in this sphere, divided into disinformation, cyberattacks and social manipulation. The research problem was formulated in the form of a question: How do non-kinetic actions affect the protection of classified information and what mechanisms can effectively minimise their negative effects? The research procedure applied was based on qualitative analysis of literature sources, reports from cybersecurity institutions and existing legislation, as well as the comparative method to enable assessing the approaches used in different countries and organisations. The results of the analyses indicate that all three areas, i.e. disinformation, cyber and psycho-social, remain interconnected and complementary, creating a complex spectrum of threats that destabilise the classified information protection system. The results of the research confirm the need for a multi-level approach which combines security technologies, organisational procedures and, in particular, personnel competence development. Raising information awareness, cognitive resilience and the ability to recognise manipulative techniques are of particular importance. Only such a holistic approach enables effective minimisation of the risk of classified information protection incidents in an era of intensified non-kinetic actions.